Orange you glad it's clemen-time?

'Tis almost the season for face-slapping winds, runny noses, parched skin, numb fingers, soggy socks, and sidewalk wipeouts.

Luckily, it's always warm and sunny somewhere in the world.

So while the farmers' fields here in Canada are just about to freeze over, a certain variety of oranges is just beginning to burst off the trees in Morocco.

 Drumroll please....

It's clementine season!

One of my favourite winter goodies is the clementine. It's bursting with tastebud-tickling flavour, it's loaded with vitamin C, it's portable, it's easy to peel, and it emits a pleasing citrus scent.*

[*The clementine's scent is a favourable factor in maintaining a respectful food environment at work- its aroma is much more popular among co-workers than other lunch items such as tuna or hard-boiled eggs. That being said, this fragrant fruit does not make for a stealthy snack in 'no eating zones,' i.e. the library. You know what I'm talking about.]

But eater beware: These seemingly innocent, pretty little things are highly addictive.

Yet who can resist such a cute little fruit in such a badass package?

So go ahead and enjoy a clementine (or four). Your taste buds and co-workers will thank you.